American Friends of the Bambi Homes Colombia

In our homes, we shelter the most socially, emotionally and nutritionally vulnerable children from zero to six years, who have been previously identified in the streets, hospitals, Social Services and churches. At the homes, every child receives professional attention from an interdisciplinary group composed of psychologists, social workers, nutritionists, doctors and caregivers, who, after having

made an evaluation of the child, start a process based on the assessment of all the children’s rights: health-survival, education-development, participation and protection. The group periodically measures indicators which reflect a visible change during the time in which the child stays at the Home (approximately one to one and a half years). Once the child goes back to his home, a social worker performs monthly check-ups for a period of six months to ensure the child is living in under proper conditions. The social model developed to accomplish the mission is structured under the base of seven Protection Homes located in Bogotá, Cali, Darién, Marinilla and Medellín. Annually, these homes benefit 750 children. In addition, Bambi Homes also work with the family to guarantee sustainability of the actions once the child goes back to his/her home. As soon as the child enters the Home, the families composed mainly by females head of households with low or inexistent education levels, also become part of the program.